Hundreds of people gather in the rain to attend the opening of the traditional Christmas Market on the Roemerberg square in Frankfurt, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012.

Hundreds of people gather in the rain to attend the opening of the traditional Christmas Market on the Roemerberg square in Frankfurt, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012.

Photo: Michael Probst, AP

Hundreds of people gather in the rain to attend the opening of the... Photo-3800693.53328 - seattlepi.com

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NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the 16th century the Nuremberg Christmas market is seen as one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. less

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in ... more

Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to December 24, 2012. less

Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to ... more

Photo: Christof Stache, AFP/Getty Images

Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional... Photo-3835732.53328 - seattlepi.com

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Visitors walk past a stall selling illuminated Christmas stars at the annual Christmas market at Alexanderplatz two days after the market opened on November 28, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine (Gluehwein), Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them are opening across Germany this week. less

Visitors walk past a stall selling illuminated Christmas stars at the annual Christmas market at Alexanderplatz two days after the market opened on November 28, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with ... more

Visitors crowd the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine (Gluehwein), Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

Visitors crowd the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine (Gluehwein), Christmas tree ... more

Performers on stilts walk among visitors at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

Performers on stilts walk among visitors at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, ... more

Photo: Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Performers on stilts walk among visitors at the annual Christmas... Photo-3835568.53328 - seattlepi.com

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Performers on stilts walk among visitors at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

Performers on stilts walk among visitors at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, ... more

Photo: Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Performers on stilts walk among visitors at the annual Christmas... Photo-3835569.53328 - seattlepi.com

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Christmas decorations hang for sale at the Kaethe Wohlfahrt stand at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

Christmas decorations hang for sale at the Kaethe Wohlfahrt stand at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their ... more

Visitors look at Christmas decorations for sale at the Kaethe Wohlfahrt stand at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

Visitors look at Christmas decorations for sale at the Kaethe Wohlfahrt stand at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with ... more

Photo: Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Visitors look at Christmas decorations for sale at the Kaethe... Photo-3835560.53328 - seattlepi.com

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Visitors look at illuminated Christmas starts for sale at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine (Gluehwein), Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

Visitors look at illuminated Christmas starts for sale at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling ... more

Visitors crowd a mulled wine stand at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine (Gluehwein), Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

Visitors crowd a mulled wine stand at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine ... more

The annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt stands illuminated in the city center on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

The annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt stands illuminated in the city center on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, ... more

The annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt stands illuminated in the city center on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

The annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt stands illuminated in the city center on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, ... more

An employee at the Herrnhuter Sterne Christmas stars factory assembles Christmas stars that will decorate Christmas markets, churches and homes on November 2, 2012 in Herrnhut, Germany. Herrnhuter Sterne, located in a small town in Saxony, has a 160-year tradition of manufacturing traditional Christmas stars that are lit from within and are handmade from paper or plastic. less

An employee at the Herrnhuter Sterne Christmas stars factory assembles Christmas stars that will decorate Christmas markets, churches and homes on November 2, 2012 in Herrnhut, Germany. Herrnhuter Sterne, ... more

Visitors skate on an ice rink at the annual Christmas market at Alexanderplatz two days after the market opened on November 28, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine (Gluehwein), Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them are opening across Germany this week. less

Visitors skate on an ice rink at the annual Christmas market at Alexanderplatz two days after the market opened on November 28, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine ... more

Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the 16th century the Nuremberg Christmas market is seen as one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. less

Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the ... more

Photo: Johannes Simon, Getty Images

Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional... Photo-3835551.53328 - seattlepi.com

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Visitors look at Christmas decorations for sale at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the 16th century the Nuremberg Christmas market is seen as one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. less

Visitors look at Christmas decorations for sale at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the ... more

Photo: Johannes Simon, Getty Images

Visitors look at Christmas decorations for sale at the traditional... Photo-3835552.53328 - seattlepi.com

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FRANKFURT, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: The annual Christmas market is illuminated in the city center on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

FRANKFURT, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: The annual Christmas market is illuminated in the city center on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling ... more

BERLIN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Visitors look at Christmas decorations for sale at the Kaethe Wohlfahrt stand at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

BERLIN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Visitors look at Christmas decorations for sale at the Kaethe Wohlfahrt stand at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Berlin, ... more

FRANKFURT, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: People ride a carousel at the annual Christmas market in the city center on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

FRANKFURT, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: People ride a carousel at the annual Christmas market in the city center on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls ... more

FRANKFURT, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Heart-shaped biscuits on sale at the Christmas market on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, Christmas tree decorations and other delights, are an integral part of German Christmas tradition, and many of them opened across Germany today. less

FRANKFURT, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Heart-shaped biscuits on sale at the Christmas market on its opening day on November 26, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany. Christmas markets, with their stalls selling mulled wine, ... more

Children sit in a chair swing ride at a christmas market in Berlin, on November 26, 2012. AFP PHOTO / MAURIZIO GAMBARINI GERMANY OUTMAURIZIO GAMBARINI/AFP/Getty Images

Children sit in a chair swing ride at a christmas market in Berlin, on November 26, 2012. AFP PHOTO / MAURIZIO GAMBARINI GERMANY OUTMAURIZIO GAMBARINI/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: MAURIZIO GAMBARINI, AFP/Getty Images

Children sit in a chair swing ride at a christmas market in Berlin,... Photo-3800681.53328 - seattlepi.com

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Picture taken with long exposure time shows one of Berlin's landmarks, the tv tower behind a big wheel on a christmas market in Berlin, on November 26, 2012.The market opens its doors from November 26 to December 31, 2012. AFP PHOTO / MARC TIRL GERMANY OUTMARC TIRL/AFP/Getty Images less

Picture taken with long exposure time shows one of Berlin's landmarks, the tv tower behind a big wheel on a christmas market in Berlin, on November 26, 2012.The market opens its doors from November 26 to ... more

Photo: MARC TIRL, AFP/Getty Images

Picture taken with long exposure time shows one of Berlin's... Photo-3800705.53328 - seattlepi.com

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the 16th century the Nuremberg Christmas market is seen as one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. less

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in ... more

Typical Lebkuchen heart biscuits (gingerbread) with the wording "Merry X Mas" (Merry Christmas) and other messages are seen at the Christmas Market, in front of the "Rathaus" townhall of in Vienna on December 1, 2012. less

Typical Lebkuchen heart biscuits (gingerbread) with the wording "Merry X Mas" (Merry Christmas) and other messages are seen at the Christmas Market, in front of the "Rathaus" townhall of in Vienna on December ... more

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: A toy seller arranges his goods at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the 16th century the Nuremberg Christmas market is seen as one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. less

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: A toy seller arranges his goods at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. ... more

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: A salesman waits for customers at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the 16th century the Nuremberg Christmas market is seen as one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. less

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: A salesman waits for customers at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. ... more

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the 16th century the Nuremberg Christmas market is seen as one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. less

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in ... more

Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the 16th century the Nuremberg Christmas market is seen as one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. less

Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originated in the ... more

Photo: Johannes Simon, Getty Images

Christmas decorations hang for sale at a stand at the traditional... Photo-3835713.53328 - seattlepi.com

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NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 30: 17 year-old Franziska Handke (C) performs as 'Christkindles' (translates literally as 'Christ Child') during the opening ceremony of the traditional Christmas market 'Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt' on November 30, 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany. Originating in the 16th century the Nuremberg Christmas market is seen as one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. less

"Lebkuchen" gingerbread cakes are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to December 24, 2012. less

"Lebkuchen" gingerbread cakes are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from ... more

Photo: Christof Stache, AFP/Getty Images

"Lebkuchen" gingerbread cakes are for sale at a stand of... Photo-3835724.53328 - seattlepi.com

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Gingerbread hearts are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to December 24, 2012. less

Gingerbread hearts are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to ... more

Photo: Christof Stache, AFP/Getty Images

Gingerbread hearts are for sale at a stand of the traditional... Photo-3835725.53328 - seattlepi.com

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Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to December 24, 2012. less

Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to ... more

Photo: Christof Stache, AFP/Getty Images

Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional... Photo-3835729.53328 - seattlepi.com

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A vendor selling small decorative houses prepares his stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to December 24, 2012. less

A vendor selling small decorative houses prepares his stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from ... more

Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to December 24, 2012. less

Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to ... more

Photo: Christof Stache, AFP/Getty Images

Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional... Photo-3835735.53328 - seattlepi.com

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Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to December 24, 2012. less

Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional Christmas Market in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 30, 2012. The traditional "Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" opens from November 30 to ... more

Photo: Christof Stache, AFP/Getty Images

Christmas decorations are for sale at a stand of the traditional... Photo-3835749.53328 - seattlepi.com